Two Flautists, Inspiration, and a New Year

New Years, to many, can feel like a sort of rebirth.

For centuries, humans have used music to explore and process themes of renewal and transformation—ideas we often reflect on while preparing to enter a new year. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (including the “Ode to Joy”) is an iconic celebration of hope—an idea fundamental to embracing a fresh beginning.Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is an exhilarating and often nostalgic journey through (seasonal) cycles of life. Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, a cherished work from the annually performed Brandenburg Concertos, is renowned for its seamless flow and uplifting spirit—making it a perfect metaphor for fresh beginnings and personal transformation.

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s flautists Alicia and Julia look at inspiration in music in the new year in a refreshing way. Principal Flute Julia Bogorad-Kogan joined the SPCO when she was 22 years old. She speaks fondly of the inspiration her music brings to New Year’s arrival. “In the year ahead, I look forward to continuing my love affair with the flute! I love trying to find new ways to find as beautiful a sound as possible. It’s such a joy to make music that fulfills the intentions of the wonderful composers, both new and old, that we in the SPCO are privileged to bring to life.”

Alicia McQuerrey, who joined the SPCO in 2001, shares warmly about the pieces that bring her inspiration. “I love anything Bach, as a soloist – sonatas or Brandenburgs, etc. – I feel like Bach allows emotion and storytelling that can change and morph with your mood from day to day. As an orchestral duo, I really love playing Mendelssohn with Julie. The two flute lines go together so beautifully and make such lovely tonalities, again allowing for beautiful storytelling.”

Perhaps, most notably of all, they spoke ever so warmly of each other. Did we mention they are stand partners?

“I love playing with Julie,” said Alicia. “I love hearing her phrasing, and then matching and playing off of her beautiful lines. She is so generous of spirit in that she is more than happy to share the spotlight in the trading of lines. Her goal is always to highlight the beauty of the music. I can’t imagine a better stand partner! She is also a kind ear and ‘ ‘sharer’ of wisdom away from the flute. Julie is the best.”

Julie expressed similar sentiments when asked about Alicia:

“Over two decades ago, I was lucky to get to choose my own section partner when we had a national audition to fill the position of second flute with the SPCO; I could not have made a better choice! Over the years, we have evolved together musically to the point that we rarely have to discuss verbally how we will breathe or phrase together. Alicia has a telepathic way of sensing how I am about to play so that she is always right there with me! I’m continually inspired by her flawless and beautiful flute playing.

…my other great privilege is the opportunity to work with my amazing colleagues in our chamber orchestra. Each one is a real artist who can adeptly interpret and play with others, even without a conductor. And, they are fun and lovely people! I am really so lucky.”

Perhaps the true inspiration of the new year has always been togetherness—both in music and in life.

Happy New Year’s, from all of us here at the SPCO!